ELLINWOOD — Mildred J. Birzer, 95, of Ellinwood, Kan., passed away Oct. 28, 2023, at the Ellinwood District Hospital. She was born June 20, 1928, in Erie, Kan., the daughter of James Leo and Leila Pearl (Inman) Norris. Mildred was a longtime Ellinwood resident, formerly of Walnut, Kan. She graduated from Walnut High School with the class of 1946. 

Mildred was a homemaker and worked for Thill Printing in Great Bend for 12 years. She was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, Altar Society, and former member of the Supper Skippers Bowling League. Mildred was an avid bridge player and enjoyed watching Kansas Jayhawk basketball and the Kansas City Royals. 

On May 20, 1952, Mildred was united in marriage with Jerome J. Birzer at Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church, north of Ellinwood. He preceded her in death on June 13, 2008. She is also preceded in death by her parents; son, Tony Birzer; six brothers, Ken Norris, Bernard Norris, Bill Norris, Charles Norris, Raymond Norris, and Harold Norris; and two sisters, Loretta Guy, and Lorraine Westhoff. Mildred is survived by her three sons, Tim Birzer and wife Donetta of Lyons, Kan., Steve Birzer and wife Janice of Ellinwood, Kan., and Marvin Birzer and wife Belita of Felton, Del.; two daughters, Kathy Hertel and husband Glen of Ellinwood, Kan., and Bernie Rahe and husband Greg of Lawrence, Kan.; daughter-in-law, Betty Birzer of Ottawa, Kan.; 15 grandchildren; and 16 great-grandchildren.

Funeral mass will be at 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, Oct. 31, 2023, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Ellinwood, with Father Terrance Klein officiating. Burial will follow at Sts. Peter and Paul Cemetery, north of Ellinwood. Visitation will be from 2 until 8 p.m., Monday, Oct. 30, 2023, with Altar Society Rosary at 3 and a Parish vigil will be held at 7 p.m., all at St. Joseph Catholic Church. Memorials may be given to the Ellinwood District Hospital or St. Joseph School Living Legacy in care of Birzer Funeral Home, Lyons. 

Funeral arrangements provided by

Birzer Funeral Home

214 West Ave. South

Lyons, KS.  67554

Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, Oct. 31, 2023